Arne Slot joins UEFA panel in first role since Liverpool exit
Story By Staff Reporter
Arne Slot is back in football. The Dutchman has joined UEFA’s Technical Observer Group, four months after leaving Anfield.
Liverpool dismissed Slot at the end of last season. The Reds struggled in their Premier League title defence and only just secured Champions League qualification. Slot has not rushed into another managerial job. Instead, he will analyse European matches and track tactical trends in the continent’s top club competitions.
What the Technical Observer Group does
The group uses match statistics and video analysis. Its members write detailed reports on coaching developments, and UEFA circulates those reports across the football community. In its announcement, UEFA said the observers deliver “detailed reports on the latest developments in coaching.”
A panel full of familiar names
Slot joins several well-known figures from English football. Former Liverpool managers Rafa Benitez and Roy Hodgson sit on the panel. So do ex-Reds goalkeeper David James, former England manager Gareth Southgate and ex-Everton boss Sean Dyche.
Slot’s coaching record
UEFA praised his career in its statement. It said Slot “made his name at Feyenoord.” He reached the 2022 UEFA Conference League final there. He then won an Eredivisie title and a Dutch Cup in the following two seasons.
Slot joined Liverpool in 2024 and won the Premier League immediately. It was the club’s second title in five years. He left Anfield this summer.
Netherlands job speculation
Reports had linked Slot with the vacant Netherlands national team job. He denied that talks had progressed. He told Voetbal International: “That speculation is incorrect. We simply never got to that stage of the talks.”
The Netherlands have since appointed Barcelona legend Xavi as head coach. Xavi signed a long-term contract that runs until the end of the 2030 World Cup.
Slot wants a club job
Slot has made his preference clear. He wants to return to club management and work with players every day. He said: “At this stage of my career, I prefer to see myself on the training field with my players every day.”
He explained that a national team job cannot offer the same daily contact. He also praised the Dutch federation. He said he has “a lot of respect for the national team and for the KNVB.” He described the talks as professional.
Slot added: “For now, I believe that club football still has a lot to offer me.”
